Although he did not specifically complain about how Nikola Jokic was officiated on Monday, Warriors the head coach Steve Kerr filed a broader complaint about officiating during his postgame media session after the Nuggets center made 18 of 18 free throws in a win at Denver, writes ESPN’s Kendra Andrews.
“I have a problem with the way we legislate defense outside of the game,” » said Kerr. “We allow players to work their way to the foul line. If I was a fan, I wouldn’t have wanted to watch the second half of this match. It was disgusting. It was just about getting the refs to make decisions, but it’s the refs who have to make those decisions… the players are really smart in this league. Over the past decade, they have become increasingly intelligent. We’ve empowered the players, and they’re taking full advantage of it.
“It’s a parade all the way to the free throw line, and it’s disgusting to watch.”
Before Monday’s game, the Nuggets ranked dead last in the NBA in free throws per game (14.9). Led by Jokic’s 18 foul shots, Denver converted 26 of 32 attempts from the line in Monday’s victory.
Here are some other tidbits from the world of basketball:
- Former first round pick Mfiondu Kabengele made a mid-season move from Greece to Italy. The big man has parted ways with AEK Athens and officially agreed a deal to join Reyer Venezia, the Italian club announced in a statement today. Press release. Kabengele appeared in 55 total NBA games for the Clippers, Cavaliers and Celtics from 2019-23.
- Sharing their thoughts from last week’s G League Showcase Cup, Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony of ESPN.com (Initiated link) note that this has not been a good year for G League Ignite, whose top prospects Matas Buzelis And Ron Holland didn’t do much to help their draft stock. Conversely, the NBA Academy Africa made a strong impression in Orlando, according to Givony, who was particularly impressed by the 7’2″ prospect. Khaman Malouach. Maluach appears to be seriously considering playing college ball next season, Givony adds, with Duke and Kansas pursuing him aggressively.
- Serbian perspective Topic Nikolaa projected top-10 pick, has spent the 2023/24 season so far on loan at Mega Basket, but will join Red Star and now play in the EuroLeague, tweets Givony. The move will give 18-year-old Topic the opportunity to compete in Europe’s top league for the remainder of the season.
